Jim Brown, the legendary Browns running back who became a pioneer both on and off the field, has died, according to multiple reports. He was 87 years old.
Brown’s wife Monique Brown confirmed the news of the icon’s death on Instagram Friday afternoon, announcing he “passed peacefully” in their Los Angeles home Thursday night.
“It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of my husband, Jim Brown,” wrote Monique. “He passed peacefully last night at our LA home. To the world he was an activist, actor, and football star. To our family, he was a loving and wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. Our hearts are broken…”
Widely regarded as the greatest running back in NFL history, Brown spent his entire nine-year career with the Browns after entering the league as the sixth pick out of Syracuse in the 1957 draft. The hard-nosed tailback went on to become the only rookie to win NFL Rookie of the Year and NFL Most Valuable Player, setting in motion a Hall of Fame career that included nine Pro Bowl nods, eight first-team All-Pro selections, MVP awards and an NFL championship in 1964.
Jim Brown’s wife Monique announced the passing of the Cleveland Browns great at age of 87. Perhaps the most singularly dominant player in NFL history, Brown retired as the game’s all-time leading rusher.
He led the NFL in rushing in 8 of his 9 seasons and won league MVP 3 times. pic.twitter.com/mHGo07LRT0
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) May 19, 2023
